One car I had could be driven without the alternator belt (for about 40 mins if you didn’t need headlights) as the water pump was run off the cambelt; not very common now. I drove it for about 10 minutes like that to diagnose a stalling problem when coming to a stop, which turned out to be caused by a juddering belt.
Thanks for replies chaps, most appreciated. Parts ordered and buoyed up with confidence. That link to the US forum was superb - thanks.
That’s the problem with buoys, occasionally they get punctured. Now reduced to asking for help with this. Trying to get the new belt around the circuit but…can’t…quite…sqeeeeze it on. With the tensioner at its max right (the lugs hard against the stops on its body), the belt is about 1/8" short and won’t slide under the idler. I’m stumped. Anyone know the clever trick to do it? Be most grateful for advice or even pay the going rate for attending help (SS0 0DZ). It’s nearly June and summer is going!
I found that using a ratchet strap as above, left both hands free to sort the belt. You must make sure the belt sits in the ribs rather than on them? Easy to think it’s on correctly but do check each pulley to give that extra bit of length to the belt. Two hands makes this easier to do. Start at the bottom pulley, maintaining tension as much as possible on the belt. Work round, leaving the idler pulley until last, the belt will slide over this pulley. It still will be tight to do but once on, release the ratchet strap and complete the install.
Barrie
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Thanks Barrie. I tried similar to that at first using a hammer shaft propped between the socket on the tensioner pulley bolt and the cross member which worked in keeping the tensioner at max right. To no avail. Eventually came to the conclusion it might be the wrong belt! Nothing wrong with the old one, just seemed a good idea to replace it at the same time as the noisy (suspected) idler. Serves me right. I’ll try replacing the old belt tomorrow to see if it is a wrong new one! Thanks again.
Hi Fidder, my old belt looked perfect but having bought the new one, I put it on. I can’t emphasise enough though about getting the belt to sit in the ribs? I had the same problem at first ( but didn’t want to admit it at the time ) after a bit if head scratching and careful checking, it went on.
What size belt did you get?
Barrie
Good tidings! Job jobbed, hands washed, Nero d’Avila in glass!
The belt was perfect (and the right size evidently!) as was the tensioner but the time aspect was well due so it was a good opportunity to do the lot. The old belt is now a useful spare in case of emergency. Once again thanks to all for the replies and help, much appreciated.
Ray.
Glad you got it sorted Ray it’s one if those jobs that, once done, give you satisfaction. I think it’s rather nice to sign your posts too
never had to hide behind an avatar myself
Makes things a bit more “friendly”
well done for perservering. I’m just imbibing a half decent Sauvignon blanc as it happens
cheers!
Barrie
Thanks. I’ve never felt the need to hide, I can still run quite fast.
All I have to do now is resolve the other problem as mentioned in post 17. The top carpet is beyond redemption and there was left a tide mark around the under carpet. Now waiting to see if it dries and becomes peelable. I’m sure your Sauvignon is more than only half decent. Cheers. Ray.
Hi,
Thanks a lot for such a detailed response. My nc1 with 112k miles has a very faint knock (sort off) and when i inspected the engine bay, i found one of the idler pulley to be a bit wobbly. I suspect that to be culprit. The belt was recently changed so i think they are fine. Do you have any video of the noise you had in your car?